Fix It

Unbolt the steering column from the dashboard with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Caully lower it away from the dashboard to access the top of the ignition switch.

Unplug the wiring to the switch. Insert the key in the ignition and put it into the "Lock" position.

Unscrew the switch from the column using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the switch off of the column and replace it with a new unit.

Open the hood of the mustang and remove the negative battery cable from the battery, using a wrench. Wait two minutes and use the wrench to remove the positive battery cable from the battery.

Remove the screws holding the drivers side knee bolster in place. Gently pull on the bolster to remove it from the Mustang.

Place the ignition switch in the "Run" position and leave the key in the switch.

Remove the plastic panel covering the bottom of the steering column with the Phillips screwdriver.

Lift the tab of the electrical connector on the ignition switch and separate the connector from the ignition switch.

Remove the two Torx bolts holding the ignition switch to the steering column and pull the ignition switch free of the steering column.

Place new switch next to the old unit and verify the actuator pin is in the same position. Insert the new switch into the steering column and attach with the two Torx screws. Tighten the Torx screws with the Torx screwdriver to secure it to the steering column

Snap the electrical connection into the new ignition switch.

Replace the lower steering column cover and tighten the retaining screws with the Phillips screwdriver. Position the knee bolster into the original position and secure with the Phillips screws.

Attach the positive battery cable to positive terminal on the battery and tighten with the wrench. Repeat for the negative battery cable.

Turn the engine over using the current ignition setting. Listen to the engine as it tries to start. Confirm that you have enough battery power to start the engine and sufficient fuel entering the engine.

Locate the distributor. Find the retaining bolt at the base of the distributor where it enters the engine and loosen this retaining bolt so you can turn the distributor by hand clockwise or counterclockwise.

Turn the distributor counterclockwise 1/2 inch with your hand. Turn the engine over again to start. Feed the engine fuel by continuously pressing and depressing the gas pedal as needed if the engine starts but runs poorly. Remove your foot from the gas pedal to see if it will idle without your help. (Continue to step 5 if the engine starts and idles.)

Listen to the engine as it tries to start. You will notice a difference in the way the engine is trying to fire. Stop turning the engine over and go back to the distributor. Turn the distributor by hand clockwise 1 inch. This will be the opposite move in timing from the previous counterclockwise adjustment. Adjusting the timing one way or the other will correct timing issues that stop a car from starting. Repeat until you set the timing closely enough to start the engine.

Adjust timing by hand when the engine is at idle. With the engine running, you will hear the rpm increase and the engine will run smoothly when you move the distributor in the right direction to the correct timing. Go past good timing and the power loss returns and the engine may stall. Set the timing by ear and then tighten the distributor retaining bolt to keep the correct timing adjustment.

Put the vehicle in park. If you have a manual transmission, you can skip this step and go on to Step 2 below.

Press the cars brake with your foot and hold it there. If you have not already done so, put the 280Zs key in the ignition.

Hold the steering wheel of the car firmly with your left hand and grip the ignition key with your right hand. While turning the steering wheel quickly left and right, simultaneously turn the ignition key as if you are starting the car. The turning of the ignition key coupled with the swiveling of the steering wheel will cause the ignition key lock to release.